GHANAWILLENSUREPEACEINTOGO-PresidentAkufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says his government is working closely with Togo's leadership and the opposition to ensure that peace returns to Ghana’s neighbour country.

Describing the events in Togo as disturbing, President Akufo Addo recalled how there were problems with regard to the demise of the late President, Gnassingbé Eyadéma and who succeeded him in 2005.

Protesters have held several rallies since August, demanding an end to Togo's 50-year ruling family dynasty. They want to see constitutional reforms introduced, including a two-term limit for presidents.

President Akufo-Addo gave this assurance when the Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area, Togbega Amenya Fiti V, with his sub Chiefs from the Aflao state paid a courtesy call on him at the presidency yesterday.

“I remember vividly what happened in 2005 when the former President Eyadema died. There were problems over the succession,” the President Averred.

According to President Akufo-Addo, whatever that happens in Togo is of great concern to him and the people of Ghana.

“You can be sure that I cannot be idle whilst these events are taking place,” he said.

He disclosed that he had met with the Togolese President, Foure Eyadema, few days ago at Tamale where discussions were held between the two leaders in finding long lasting solution to the crisis in Togo.

“We are all talking to see how we can bring this crisis to a closure and bring stability and peace back to Togo. It is all in our interest to do so.

Togbega Amenya Fiti V, among other things, appealed to the President to help find solutions to the ongoing crisis in Togo as well as to create a municipal assembly for Aflao.

But the President strongly assured the Aflao Traditional leader that he was not staying idle on the Togo matter and that, “we are acting. Let us pray for understanding and the blessing of the almighty that we can find a solution that would be in the interest of the people of Togo and by implication the people of Ghana.”

With regard to the creation of a Municipal Assembly, the President pointed out that since his government was committed to working with traditional authorities, it was important that the two work hand in hand to ensure development in the country.

President Akufo-Addo asserted that, “one of the things we are having to work out is to create districts where there is no constituencies.”

Togbega Amenya Fiti V commended the President for opening the Aflao border, which had been closed, but partially opened since 1986, for 24 hours enabling free flow of human traffic.

“Your Excellency, we are here first and foremost, to show gratitude for this singular honour which seeks to cement the Wet Africa Protocol of Free Movement of Goods and Services.

He also commended the President for his bold efforts in carrying out the ambitious policies like the free Senior High School, One District One Factory and Planting for Foods and Jobs.